Denver Broncos / NFL

Broncos' Matt Prater absent from mandatory minicamp

Kicker Matt Prater was the only player missing from the start of the Broncos' mandatory minicamp, which began today and runs through Thursday.

Prater has not yet signed the franchise tender the team offered him in March, so he is technically not under contract and cannot be fined. He and the team are negotiating a long-term contract. The Broncos had former University of Nebraska kicker Adi Kunalic at Dove Valley for a tryout in Prater's absence.

Top-draft pick Derek Wolfe, a defensive tackle, made his debut after an NFL rule prevented him from joining full-squad workouts until after his class at the University of Cincinnati graduated late last week, and veteran defensive tackle Ty Warren went through the full practice after skipping most of the voluntary practices. Warren took a pay cut and signed a new contract (with a $250,000 bonus) last week.

The only two players unable to participate in the two-hour practice, the first of two sessions today, were right guard Chris Kuper and tight end Julius Thomas, both of whom continue to recover from ankle surgeries.

"I'm feeling good," head coach John Fox said. "I think our guys had a good work ethic and participation. I'm pleased with where we are right now."

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